Scientific discovery: Bacterial "guardian” that could slow antibiotic resistance

Scientists in Israel have discovered a bacterial "guardian” that blocks the spread of antibiotic resistance, a discovery that could lead to new ways to treat persistent infections, Xinhua reported. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have identified a special protein that prevents bacteria from sharing genetic material with their neighbors, the institution said in a press release.

• How resistance genes circulate among bacteria

The study, recently published in the journal Nature Microbiology, explains how microbes compete with each other for resources by accumulating beneficial genes.

Bacteria usually exchange DNA through tiny bridges called nanotubes. These structures allow small DNA molecules, known as plasmids, to move between cells. Since plasmids often carry instructions associated with antibiotic resistance, this exchange is a major reason why "superbugs” are evolving so rapidly. The researchers found that a protein called "YokF” acts as a filter, breaking up DNA during the transfer process and effectively preventing nearby bacteria from acquiring new traits.

• Possible medical applications

By understanding how bacteria manage to block these genetic "bridges,” scientists hope to develop treatments that mimic this process. Slowing the speed at which resistance genes move through a population could extend the effectiveness of current antibiotics. The Israeli university believes the discovery is particularly relevant to crowded environments, where different types of microbes compete for limited resources.